moving to the city (Boston, Cambridge: apartment, job, college)

[egup82]

My boyfriend and I are new to the Boston area and currently live in Revere. He works in Kendall Square and I am still looking for a job. We want to move closer to the city but are having trouble agreeing on an area. I want to experience city life and live in an affordable place like Commonwealth Ave. I love the older apartment buildings there and I find it affordable. My boyfriend doesnt like the area because he thinks it is too congested. Does anyone have any suggestions on where we should live? We want to pay under $1300 per month. Thanks.

[Bluefly]

I live just off Commonwealth. I would never think of it as congested. Maybe it depends on which part, but judging by your description of being near the city / old apartment buildings I've never seen a traffic jam or been overwhelmed by the traffic to lose sight of the charm it offers.

[egup82]

I agree with you totally. I just have to convince my bf.

[chesneyfan1]

If you are willing to live in "student ghetto" you can defiinitely afford it. Downside is it can be noisey and is inundated with college kids. Upside is that I pay 600 bucks a month to practically live on lansdowne street. it can be done.

[Bostonian08]

Well I hope you don't think you're gonna find a lot on Comm Ave East of Mass Ave for $1300. I saw one listing for a one bedroom in Kenmore/Back Bay for 1295. I think it was probably a typo. If you don't mind a studio, there's plenty of those for $1300 or less.

[MovingForward]

If I were you, I'd look in Central Square in Cambridge or Davis Square in Somerville, both of which are on the Red Line: your boyfriend would be at work in 10 minutes. Both areas are "congested," but there's lots to do: restaurants, cinemas, etc.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by MovingForward

If I were you, I'd look in Central Square in Cambridge or Davis Square in Somerville, both of which are on the Red Line: your boyfriend would be at work in 10 minutes. Both areas are "congested," but there's lots to do: restaurants, cinemas, etc.

I second this. There is plenty of activity and very, very easy access to Kendall for his job. If you end up with a job downtown, it's easy to get there too. Also easy to get to Harvard Square.